The eviction of those constructing sheds or basements on land in Survey No.1 of Endada has turned contentious. As many as 60 persons are laying claim to the site but Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation authorities have been trying to remove them stating that the construction is unauthorised.
When a team of GVMC officials led by Chief City Planner D. Venkataratnam first tried to remove them in the last week of May, it had met with stiff resistance. The GVMC officials lodged a complaint with the PM Palem police against 70 persons. Subsequently, another attempt was made last month with the Zone Commissioner and staff removing five sheds and 10 basements. A total of 20 sheds were erected and 40 basements constructed. GVMC officials have been maintaining that any land in the corporation limits has to be protected by them.
Those erecting the sheds or laying basements are claiming that they have been given the sites in 1986 for undergoing family planning operations, it was learnt. About 60 families have been reportedly allotted 60 square yards each.
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However, at that time a quarry was being operated there and since the area was mostly uninhabited and lacked access none tried to go there. But with Endada developing into a residential area of late, erecting sheds has begun. With land commanding a very good price, it has turned out to be quite valuable.
The pattas are deemed to have been cancelled if construction is not taken up in a year. Apart from claims over land, GVMC is removing the sheds as the construction is unauthorised, according to Zone Commissioner Vijayalakshmi.
The action has to be taken in coordination with the Police and Revenue officials as the people there are now resorting to dharnas when eviction is attempted, she says. Since the RDO is in charge his presence has to be ensured at the site, she added.
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